The Fourth Sunday of Advent • December 20, 2015

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is

the fruit of your womb.”Luke 1:42

FIRST READING: Micah 5:1–4aRESPONSORIAL: Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19

SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:5–10GOSPEL: Luke 1:39–45

Role Model of Mercy, 2

Our Goodness, 5

Waiting in Haste, 5

Serving Beyond the Comfort Zone, 7

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Blessed Sacrament Parish

St. Mary Parish

MATT13CATHOLIC.ORG | BULLETIN@MATT13CATHOLIC.ORG | 508-921-1028

Matthew13Roman Catholic Collaborative Parishes of Walpole

“Domenico ghirlandaio, visitazione, 1491, da cappella di lorenzo tornabuoni in s.m. madd-alena de’ pazzi a fi, 02”. Photo: Sailko/Wikimedia Commons

Role Model of MercyRole Model of Mercy

Rev. Chip HinesPastor

Who would you say is a great role model of mercy? Obviously, the first name to come to mind is Jesus, and that is correct. However, the Blessed Mother is also a great role model too.

Did you notice in the Gospel this week? Mary had just found out she would give birth to the Son of God, but she also learned that her cousin was pregnant too, so she set out to be with Elizabeth, in the hill country south of Jerusalem, probably walking there as most people did, about the distance from Walpole to Concord, NH. Why? Because she was full of Grace.

As we celebrated on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Mary was filled with grace from the moment of her con-ception and thus without original sin, so mercy and charity come naturally to her, like breathing. She hastens to help Elizabeth because, as an older woman, her pregnancy might be diff icult and she might need the much younger Mary to help around the home. Mary doesn’t hesitate, even though she too is newly pregnant. She goes and off ers herself to her cousin.

Do we hesitate to help others, even our families? Do we not off er ourselves in diff icult situations? We were born with original sin and the capacity to sin is in us. We can be selfish and self-centered and frankly we like the easy path. How-ever, we can change and human beings have a great capacity for good. We only need look at the saints to see that. As we approach the end of Advent and the beginning of the Christmas season we need to pray about how we are going to let the birth of Christ change us, how we will become better disciples.

If we let another Christmas go by without talking to a sibling because of some foolish fight, or holding a grudge against a parent, or cheating a neighbor, or cheating on our spouse or whatever the sin, are we allowing the salvation promised us to slip away? The Christian life is about change, our change for the better. The Christian life is about holi-ness and our journey to it, which is why the saints look so amazing to us. We look at them and think we can’t possibly do that, and yet these fellow human beings did do it, proving it to be attainable if we truly cooperate with the Holy Spirit. The famous English Catholic G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found diff icult and left untried.” I don’t think I could say it any better than that. Let’s continue to pray for each other that we’ll allow the love of God to permeate our lives so that we can be the best version of ourselves, the Christian version.

Happy Fourth Sunday of Advent and peace be with you.

Phot

o: F

r. La

wre

nce

Lew

, OP/

Flic

kr. h

ttps

://fli

c.kr

/p/t

Pfn9

9

3

Giving Tree Th anks“I would like to personally and profoundly thank every-one who worked so long and so hard to make the Giv-ing Trees happen once again this year and made the the monumental success that they were. There are more than 100 volunteers who do their part so that much needed gift s can be delivered to those who need them the most. What a wonderful work of mercy and love! So, to the ones who punched holes and tied string to cre-ate the tags, to the volunteers who placed tags on the trees,  to the ones who sorted gift s, to the volunteer drivers who delivered these gift s and of course to the staff s at St. Mary Parish, Blessed Sacrament Parish, and Blessed Sacrament School who worked together to co-ordinate with our volunteers and to you, the people of these Parishes, who put aside your own Christmas list to find the right gift for a brother or a sister in Christ—someone you never met—thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

—Fr. Chip Hines, Pastor

Phot

o: F

r. La

wre

nce

Lew

, OP/

Flic

kr. h

ttps

://fli

c.kr

/p/t

Pfn9

9

Christmas Mass ScheduleChristmas Eve

Blessed Sacrament: 4pm, 6pm, MidnightSt. Mary: 4pm (church), 4pm (parish hall), 7pm

Christmas DayBlessed Sacrament: 9am, 11amSt. Mary: 8am, 10am

There will be no regularly scheduled daily Mass at Blessed Sac-rament Parish on Christmas Eve morning at 9am. Daily Masses will resume on Saturday, Dec. 26.

Christmas Collection for Our Priests

Every Christmas, Catholics across the Archdiocese of Boston join together to honor and thank our priests. Your gift to the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust helps to ensure an appropriate level of care and quality of life for our 614 active and senior  priests. Remember priests such as Fr. Chip, Fr. Joe Diem and Fr. Joe McDer-mott who have made a meaningful diff erence in your life, and consider honoring them wlth a generous gift to the Christmas collection. Our priests are there for us in  times of need. Now it is our turn to care for them when they need us. All are welcome to make a gift on-line at www.clergyfunds.org, use the in-pew envelopes that will be provided, or simply text the word PRIESTto 56512 (Msg. & data rates may apply). Thank you in advance for your prayers and generous support of our priests.

Annual ReportThe Annual Report of the Matthew 13 Catholic Collab-orative is now available. The report encapsulates and records the activities and vision of Blessed Sacrament Parish and School, St. Mary Parish, and St. Francis Cem-etery during 2014-2015. In order to save on mass print-ing costs, you may download the report at our web sites at www.BlessedSacramentWalpole.org/annualreport and www.StMaryWalpole.com/annualreport. Printed copies will be available in the parish off ices during reg-ular business hour or you may call the parish off ice to have one mailed to you.

Got Questions?Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in an informal, fun, and friendly environment.  We gather each week for dinner, a brief video or talk, and discussion where you can share your thoughts.

Alpha is for everyone. No question is out of bounds and there are no questions that are too hostile or too silly. You are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. We don’t assume any background knowledge of or be-lief in Christianity and everyone is welcome, whether you’ve been a parishioner all your life or are not Chris-tian, but are merely curious.

Our first gathering is Tuesday, Jan. 19, 6:30pm at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, and we will then meet almost every Tuesday for about ten weeks. More details can be found at www.Matt13Catholic.org/Alpha.

Be sure to invite friends, family and neighbors to check out Alpha. Go to our Facebook pages and share the Al-pha Introductory Night event to your Timeline.

4

Blessed Sacrament ParishTen Diamond Street, Walpole, MA 02081 | 508-668-4700 | BlessedSacramentWalpole.org

Update on New HymnalsWe hope that you are enjoying the new green pew hymnals! There is always a period of adjustment when getting used to a new liturgical resource, and if you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to ask Erica for help. We have received 60 memorial gifts to support the acquisition of our new hymnals, and recently those nameplates were affixed to the inside cover of the books. A special word of thanks goes to Diane Scotti of Good Heart Studio in Walpole for her beautiful calligra-phy. Our goal is to have all 375 hymnals with dedications. If you would like to honor a person, a cause, or an event, please feel free to do so

over the coming weeks. Fill in the names to complete the phrase “Given as a gift by ________ in the name of ______,” include payment made out to the parish for $30/hymnal, and mail it to the parish house, attn Erica Johnson. Thank you to all who have helped us with this project!

Book Club Next Meets Jan. 12Blessed Sacrament Book club meets next on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7:30pm in the Com-munity Room. The book selected for discussion is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It is about the inherent inhumanity of the American justice system. His book is a so-bering look at criminal justice from the perspective of those least likely to be treated fairly. Newcomers are always welcome.

Children’s Coloring PagesWe have Sunday coloring pages/worksheets themed for the week’s Mass readings available at the entrances to the church for children ages 3–6 and 7–12. We encourage you to take one for each of your children or for other children you know may appreciate them.

BaptismsThe following child was baptized at Blessed Sacrament Parish in recent weeks. We congratulate her family and welcome her to the community:

Isabella Francesca Carlan

Photo: Dreamstime

5

Sung Acclamations & Mass ReadingsWe have changed our sung acclamations during the season of Advent. If you attend the 4pm, 8am, and 11am liturgies, the music is found at #199, 202, 203 (Mass of Spirit and Grace) and #174 (Chant Agnus Dei). The mu-sic for the 9:30am Mass is not found in the hymnal, but most of you will find the Mass of Creation to be familiar. Please sing together with us!

This week you can find the Readings at page 869.

Remember in Your PrayersEach week during the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass, we pray for those in our community who are sick. If you have a family member whose name should be added to the prayer list, please contact Margaret Manning at mmanning@matt13catholic.org or 508-668-4700 x1007. We kindly request that only immediate family members of the sick add names to the list.

Through our parish prayer line, we also remember all our shut-ins, our unemployed, our sick, our grieving, and our own parish dead. Call 508-668-2448 with your prayer intentions or to join the prayer line.

Our GoodnessEach day God speaks to us a message of love in count-less ways. The gentle companionship of God gives us a peace that comes from nothing else, and the more we acknowledge God’s presence in our lives, the more we seek God in all things. At this time in my own life I am most happy when I communicate with God throughout my day and sometimes that means in very short excla-mations, prayers, or phrases when I’m in the midst of my daily tasks. Each week when I play for Mass, a por-tion of a reading or prayer stays with me and gives me new material to explore together with God over a few days.

Our readings during Advent are filled with the beautiful imagery of joyful expectation, hope, and light. This year I find particular comfort in these recurring themes of God’s goodness to humanity, especially when we have seen such darkness in our world. A couple of weeks ago, we renewed our faith in the context of a Baptism, and we professed that we reject “the prince of darkness” and the “glamour of evil.” This resonated within me in a new way as I believe that these are real choices that each person has to make on their own. We do have to choose to cooperate with God’s plan for us; we have to consciously choose the path of goodness – every day. We have seen that can be all too easy to be taken in by the power of darkness.

In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians we heard earlier this month he writes, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” When I hear this, I ask myself, “What good work did God begin in me? When? Today, at birth, at my Baptism, or my Con-firmation?” These words are a reassurance of our in-herent goodness and of our call to live out the gift of God’s goodness in our lives. Every day we all try to be instruments of God’s love and peace, and perhaps if we nurture that goodness and grace bestowed upon us, we will be able to strengthen our faith even more.

—Erica Johnson, Director of Pastoral Music

Waiting in HasteI love short work weeks. Monday holidays make the rest of the week y by even though I’m forced to cram five days of work into four. Does the same hold true for you?

Maybe your workweek is just three days long and you’re wondering how you’re going to finish your Christmas prepara-tions, whether spiritual or logistical, so quickly. If so, take a lesson from Mary, who first experienced the tran-sition from Advent to Christmas through her own body. Mary’s time of anticipation included a long journey “in haste” to see her also-pregnant cousin Elizabeth. (Many of you can relate to hurried holiday travel.) The joy of the Visitation is palpable, even to pre-born John. Eliza-beth’s words speak volumes: “Blessed are you who be-lieved that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Mary believed in God and in his word. This trust was the key to her spiritual readiness.

Perhaps, instead of rushing or cramming this week, we need only undertake one Christmas preparation: be-lieving that God keeps his promises. God has promised that we will not be alone, that we need not be afraid. God has promised abundant life, both here on earth and through resurrection. God kept his promise to Mary, and he will do the same for you.

—Janel Esker, Bringing Home the Word, Dec. 20, 2015

6

Nativity Play This WeekendThe Faith Formation students in Third Grade will present a Nativity Play this Sunday, Dec. 20, in celebration of the Christmas season. We invite all parishioners to attend this annual pageant, which begins at 10am in the Parish Center Hall. The play is approximately 25 minutes long and will be followed by a reception.

Pine Street Inn on SaturdayOur collection of tuna, peas, noodles and desserts for the guests of the Pine Street Inn on Saturday, Dec. 26, 10-11am in the Parish Center (far door, parking lot side). Please note different day and time for just this month. Last month, Carlie Cavanaugh, Amanda Giordano, Aisling Duffy, Colleen Joyce, Riley Bank, Cole Howard, Chris Glennon, and Patrick Fallon served 319 guests. The students served an abundant amount of dessert items to the appreciative guests. We saw quite an increase of meals served last month and that trend will continue throughout the winter.

BaptismsThe following children were baptized at St. Mary Parish in recent weeks. We congratulate their families and welcome them to the community:

Gia Rose Bianchi Michael Joseph Sarao Lorelei Ann MacLean

Prayer RequestsWe are asked to pray for all our sick, our grieving, and our suffering.  If you wish to add a name to the prayer requests, please contact Louise Fahey at Lffahey@gmail.com.

St. Mary Parish176 Washington St, East Walpole, MA 02032 | 508-668-4974 | StMaryWalpole.com

Photo: Lightstock

7

Serving Beyond the Comfort ZoneMike Hyatt, a young Catholic originally from Walpole, offers a brief reflection on the first semester serving as a Catholic missionary at Florida State University with the Brotherhood of Hope.

Shortly after the trip from Walpole to Tallahassee, Florida, this past summer, I realized I was in a whole new world. But I knew that in order to grow and to make a difference in the lives of others, I had to step outside of the comfortable limits I had placed on myself before. So as much as I love my home, family and friends, I knew that God was calling me to a year unlike anything I have ever experienced. And I have already been chal-lenged to seek out what my own true potential is that the Lord has given me.

One of the first things I realized is that the community here is incredible and constantly growing. In numbers, yes, but also in the students’ desire to go deeper and become more dedicated disciples in their daily lives. The young men and women I have met in this community give me a firm hope that we can build up a generation of young people on fire for their faith.

In terms of how the rest of the year will go, I am confident that God will continue to surprise me. It can be hard not to look too far down the road, but I can only treat each day as a gift and trust God with the rest. If this ministry experi-ence thus far has taught me one thing, it is how much I need to rely on the Lord’s provision and not stress out when things do not go according to my plan. And the more I get to know these young men that I am reaching out to, the more I realize how privileged and blessed I am to be in this position, as “uncomfortable” as it can seem to be.

I just wanted to thank all of the parishioners at Blessed Sacrament and Saint Mary’s parishes. Your prayers and sup-port have contributed greatly to the mission here at Florida State, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve God’s people and build up His kingdom. God bless, and you are all in my prayers!

Mass and Healing ServiceMass and Healing Service will be held at Blessed Sacra-ment Church on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 2pm with Fr. Joseph P. McDermott. 

All those who have physical illnesses, as well as those burdened or suffering emotionally, mentally, spiritual-ly, psychologically, or financially are cordially invited to come and pray with us. You may pray for your own needs or the needs of others.

If you would like a list of all the healing services, usually being held on the last Sunday of the Month, please call the parish office at 508-668-4700 and the Healing Ser-vice Calendar will be mailed to you.

Thoughts of a DiscipleMary is moved to action by the news about her cousin Elizabeth. There are many beautiful and evocative de-pictions in art of the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth – the Visitation, but the words of the Gospel carry a power of their own. She “traveled to the hill country in haste.” It wasn’t an easy trip, she trekked over rough terrain, and there is no mention of a travelling companion. She couldn’t get there fast enough. This young woman who has just given her life-changing yes to God, gives us an example of love, service, and courage. Is there someone you should visit before Christmas?

New Year’s Eve with Cardinal SeánJoin Cardinal Seán O’Malley for a special event for the Year of Mercy,  a New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil at St. Clem-ent’s Eucharistic Shrine, 1105 Boylston Street, Boston. The event begins with a Holy Hour at 10am on New Year’s Eve, following by Mass and a social. For more in-formation contact Mike Drahos, mdrahos@rcab.org  or 617-746-5751.

For Your MarriageAs we continue to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ-child at Christmas let us live in his love in all we do, especially in our marriage relationship. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends are January 23–24 and April 1–3. For more   information call Steve and Michelle O’Leary at 800-710-WWME, or visit www.wwme.org or www.facebook.com/Wwmema.

This is Flu SeasonWe need to take care of ourselves and each other. If you are sick, use good judgment about attending Mass and even as you recover, be responsible not to approach the Cup until you are well. During the Sign of Peace, you may find that a nod of the head and a verbal gesture of peace may be gracious and fitting rather than shaking hands.

8

Wishing All Our Faith Formation Families a Very Merry ChristmasClasses will resume on January 10 for Grades 1-9 and January 24 for Year II Confirmation.

Kicking off the Jubilee Year of Mercy at the SchoolDuring the Advent season, Blessed Sacrament students have been chal-lenged to perform acts of mercy as a way of celebrating the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The students’ acts are recorded on paper strips and attached together to form our “Mercy Chain.” Each Monday at morning assembly, representatives from each homeroom bring their homeroom’s chain up front to unite with other chains to form a lengthy Mercy Chain, representing student acts of mercy from all grade levels.

It’s amazing to see a visualization of how much good is being done by our students each day!

St. Vincent de Paul SocietyGospel Meditation

Jesus was born during the night of the year when dark-ness is the longest. The Savior of the world comes forthe people in dark places. The real, lasting, and deep joy is that the Light shines there.

Through your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, The Light has shined, bringing real, lasting and deep joy to the hearts of the less fortunate who live in dark places in our streets and neighborhoods.

Collaborative and Other News

LaSalette VisitOn Saturday, December 12, almost forty students from our middle school faith formation program visited LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro. They toured many of the shrine’s attractions, were amazed by the spec-tacular Festival of Lights, visited the International Creche Museum, and had a great time.

Thank you to the 12 adults who accompanied them as chaperones and made this event possible.

Sharing with Friends and RelativesWe all have family members, friends and neighbors who have become distant from Jesus Christ and the Church. We want to invite them to return but oft en don’t feel com-fortable doing so, or fear off ending them. During Advent & Christmas we off er some simple suggestions.

Christmas is the celebration of the great mystery of the Incarnation—the gift of God becoming man. On Christ-mas Eve and Day, when you encounter those who may not be “regulars,” smile—be a model of joy. Another sign of welcoming is to move to the center of the pew so that others may easily find a place to sit down for the celebration of Mass. Go even further by inviting people searching for seats to join you in the pew.

The deadline for next week’s bulletin is this Monday, 9amThe deadline for next week’s bulletin is this Monday, 9am

9

Weekly Mass IntentionsBSP-Blessed Sacrament; STM-St. Mary

Sat, Dec 19All Week

Sun, Dec 20

Wed, Dec 23

Thu, Dec 24Sat, Dec 26

4pm STM: Paul FlanaganBSP Church Sanctuary Lamp: Annette Richmond

and Fred Weinkauf9am STM: Mary Giampietro11am STM: Alexander Gomes 8am STM: Adelaide Ryan9am BSP: Fr. William J. Carrigg4pm STM: Adelaide Ryan9am BSP: Raymond Paquette4pm BSP: Peter and Mary Turco, Peter J. Turco,

and Nora and John Dwyer4pm STM: Arnaldo Costa

Weekly Readings

Readings for the Week of December 6, 2015Sunday: Bar 5:1-9/Ps 126:1-6/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6Monday: Is 35:1-10/ Ps 85:9-14/Lk 5:17-26Tuesday: Gn 3:9-15, 20/Ps 98:1-4/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38Wednesday: Is 40:25-31/Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10/Mt 11:28-30Thursday: Is 41:13-20/Ps 145:1, 9-13/Mt 11:11-15Friday: Is 48:17-19/Ps 1:1-4, 6/Mt 11:16-19Saturday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Jdt 13:18-19/ Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47

Readings for the Week of January 10, 2016Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11 or Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ps 104:1b-4, 24-25, 27-30/ Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7 or Acts 10:34-38/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22Monday: 1 Sm 1:1-8/Ps 116:12-19/Mk 1:14-20Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20/1 Sm 2:1, 4-8/Mk 1:21-28Wednesday: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20/Ps 40:2, 5, 7-10/Mk 1:29-39Thursday: 1 Sm 4:1-11/Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25/Mk 1:40-45Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a/Ps 89:16-19/Mk 2:1-12Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a/Ps 21:2-7/Mk 2:13-17

Readings for the Week of December 13, 2015Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a/Is 12:2-6/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a/Ps 25:4-9/Mt 21:23-27Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13/Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23/Mt 21:28-32Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25/Ps 85:9-14/Lk 7:18b-23Thursday: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:1-4, 7-8, 17/Mt 1:1-17Friday: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19/Mt 1:18-25Saturday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-6, 16-17/Lk 1:5-25

Readings for the Week of January 17, 2016Sunday: Is 62:1-5/Ps 96:1-3, 7-10/1 Cor 12:4-11/Jn 2:1-11Monday: 1 Sm 15:16-23/Ps 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23/Mk 2:18-22Tuesday: 1 Sm 16:1-13/Ps 89:20-22, 27-28/Mk 2:23-28Wednesday: 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51/Ps 144:1-2, 9-10/Mk 3:1-6Thursday: 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7/Ps 56:2-3, 9-13/Mk 3:7-12Friday: 1 Sm 24:3-21/Ps 57:2-4, 6, 11/Mk 3:13-19Saturday: 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27/Ps 80:2-3, 5-7/Mk 3:20-21

Readings for the Week of November 29, 2015Sunday: Jer 33:14-16/Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14/1 Thes 3:12—4:2/ Lk 21:25-28, 34-36Monday: Rom 10:9-18/Ps 19:8-11/Mt 4:18-22Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17/Lk 10:21-24Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-6/Mt 15:29-37Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27/Mt 7:21, 24-27Friday: Is 29:17-24/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14/Mt 9:27-31Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147:1-6/Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8

Readings for the Week of January 3, 2016Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12Monday: 1 Jn 3:22—4:6/Ps 2:7-8, 10-12/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Ps 72:1-4, 7-8/Mk 6:34-44Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13/Mk 6:45-52Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19—5:4/Ps 72:1-2, 14-15, 17/Lk 4:14-22aFriday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12-15, 19-20/Lk 5:12-16Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149:1-6, 9/Jn 3:22-30

Subscribers are permitted to reprint material in parish communications only; all other reproduction is prohibited. © 2015 Liturgical Publications Inc, LPi Resource Center, P.O. Box 510817, New Berlin, WI 53151-0817, 1-800-950-9952, ext. 2469

Readings for the Week of December 20, 2015Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a/Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19/Heb 10:5-10/Lk 1:39-45Monday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21/ Lk 1:39-45Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2:1, 4-8/Lk 1:46-56Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14/Lk 1:57-66Thursday: Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29/ Lk 1:67-79Friday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29/ Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Night: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-3, 11-13/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1-6/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17/Mt 10:17-22

Readings for the Week of January 24, 2016Sunday: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10/Ps 19:8-10, 15/1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27/Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21Monday: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22/Ps 117:1-2/Mk 16:15-18Tuesday: 2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5/Ps 96:1-3, 7-8, 10/Mk 3:31-35Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17/Ps 89:4-5, 27-30/Mk 4:1-20Thursday: 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29/Ps 132:1-5, 11-14/Mk 4:21-25Friday: 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17/Ps 51:3-7, 10-11/Mk 4:26-34Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17/Ps 51:12-17/Mk 4:35-41

Readings for the Week of December 27, 2015Sunday: 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28 or Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10/1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24 or Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/ Lk 2:41-52Monday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-5, 7-8/Mt 2:13-18Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-3, 5-6/Lk 2:22-35Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Ps 96:7-10/Lk 2:36-40Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21/Ps 96:1-2, 11-13/Jn 1:1-18Friday: Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98:1-4/Jn 1:19-28

Readings for the Week of January 31, 2016Sunday: Jer 1:4-5, 17-19/Ps 71:1-6, 15-17/1 Cor 12:31—13:13 or 13:4-13/Lk 4:21-30Monday: 2 Sm 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13/Ps 3:2-7/Mk 5:1-20Tuesday: Mal 3:1-4/Ps 24:7-10/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32Wednesday: 2 Sm 24:2, 9-17/Ps 32:1-2, 5-7/Mk 6:1-6Thursday: 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12/1 Chr 29:10-12/Mk 6:7-13Friday: Sir 47:2-11/Ps 18:31, 47, 50-51/Mk 6:14-29Saturday: 1 Kgs 3:4-13/Ps 119:9-14/Mk 6:30-34Next Sunday: Is 6:1-2a, 3-8/Ps 138:1-5, 7-8/1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11/Lk 5:1-11

Prayers For Our Service Members Zachary BannonFrank L. BrunettaPeter Conroy Michael McKayMatthew McKayRobert Dunne, Jr.Caitlin Brunetta

Kyle BradburyTimothy MerriganAl Goetz Kevin DayFrancesco Carpeno(Lamperti)Richard Veno

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for their selfless service to us and our country. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Please remember our military in your prayers. To add or remove a name, call Margaret 508-921-1021 x1007.

Everyday StewardshipThis Advent you may be waiting for even more than just the celebration of Jesus’ birth and his promised second coming. You may be waiting for a job off er, or a college acceptance letter, or a good word from your doctor, or even the birth of your own child. Life is filled with pe-riods of waiting. Sometimes we wait with more grace than at other times. But with all waiting there needs to be hope for true fulfillment of our anticipation.

Elizabeth said to Mary during her visit to the house of Zechariah, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” She was speaking of the promise of God’s child in Mary’s womb and how Mary was able to accept God’s plan and see it through. Mary was waiting for something and it was already coming to fruition inside of her womb.

God has made promises to us as well. Jesus said in Luke 12:24, “Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!” We wait for things but we must never worry. Perhaps at times when our waiting is over we find that what we waited for was not to our liking aft er all. But we are not in control of these things and God will provide just like he does for the ravens. God has promised to do great things in you and if you hold firm you will find that which you seek.

You are blessed in your belief that what he has spoken to you is already being fulfilled, even as you wait.

—Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

Message of the WeekLuke 1:39-45Mary was newly pregnant by the power of the Holy Spir-it. A child was already growing within her womb, but the whole thing was an incredible secret. Who would believe her? We know that at some point, Joseph had a vision in a dream that allowed him to understand. But before that dream came, he was planning to part ways with Mary. It must have been during that diff icult time that Mary went to see Elizabeth. And what joy that upon her arrival, Elizabeth immediately understood. “Bless-ed is the fruit of your womb,” Elizabeth cried out. The same Holy Spirit who conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb enlightened Elizabeth at this moment. What a consola-tion this must have been to Mary.

This story reminds us of the importance of our own fel-lowship in the faith. Sharing our spiritual journey with other believers who are receptive to the Holy Spirit is meant to be a source of encouragement and strength. We are not supposed to be in this alone. As we worship and celebrate together with our faith community, may we share with each other the real joy of this sacred sea-son.

10

Matthew13Mass TimesSaturday Vigil: 4:00pm Blessed Sacrament & St. MarySunday: 7:30am St. Mary8:00am Blessed Sacrament9:00am St. Mary9:30am Blessed Sacrament11:00am Blessed Sacrament11:30am St. Mary

Blessed Sacrament ParishDcn. Reynold G. Spadoni, DeaconDr. Erica Johnson, Director of Pastoral

MusicSusan Glancy, Director of Youth MusicLee Smolinsky, Business ManagerMike Lamperti, Facilities ManagerJanet Neubecker, Off ice Manager

St. Mary ParishKerry Pitman, Off ice Staff Pat Chitvanni, Off ice Staff Ray Lane, Facilities Staff Tom Whearty, Facilities Staff Kevin DiLorenzo, Director of Liturgical

Music

For Collaborative Staff contact informa-tion, visit http://13ma.tt/pastoralteamFor Parish Staff contact information, visit www.blessedsacramentwalpole.org/staff

orwww.stmarywalpole.com/staff

MATT13CATHOLIC.ORG

Weekly Events CalendarSunday, Dec 2010am STM Grade 3 Nativity Play, Parish Hall12:30pm BSP Baptisms, Church6pm BSP Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Church

Monday, Dec 21No public events

Tuesday, Dec 229am BSS PreK & K Christmas Show, Gym7pm BSS Boy Scouts Troop 44 Meeting, Cafeteria

Wednesday, Dec 239:30am BSP Morning Prayer Group, Community Room4pm BSP Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Chapel6:30pm STM Adult Bible Study, Parish Center Meeting Room

Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec 244pm BSP Christmas Mass, Church4pm STM Christmas Mass, Church4pm STM Christmas Mass, Parish Hall6pm BSP Christmas Mass, Church7pm STM Christmas Mass, ChurchMidnight BSP Christmas Mass, Church

Christmas, Friday, Dec 258am STM Christmas Mass, Church9am BSP Christmas Mass, Church10am STM Christmas Mass, Church11am BSP Christmas Mass, Church

Saturday, Dec 26No public events. Regular Mass schedule.

BSP Blessed Sacrament ParishBSS Blessed Sacrament School

STM St. Mary Parish

Social MediaFacebook.com/blessedsacramentwalpoleFacebook.com/stmarywalpoleTwitter.com/BSPWalpoleTwitter.com/StMaryWalpole

Daily Mass:Monday 8am St. MaryTuesday 8am St. MaryWednesday 8am St. Mary; 9am Blessed

SacramentThursday 9am Blessed SacramentFriday 8am St. Mary; 9am Blessed Sacra-

mentSaturday 9am Blessed Sacrament

Confession TimesSaturdays:3:00pm St. Mary & Blessed Sacramentor by appointment

Collaborative Staff Rev. George “Chip” Hines, PastorMargaret Manning, Pastoral AssociateMartin Murphy, Director of Finance &

OperationsDom Bettinelli, Director of Communi-

cations

Rev. Joseph Diem, Parochial VicarJames Spillman, School PrincipalKaren Brady, Faith Formation DirectorDebbie Lafleur, Faith Formation Asst.Margaret Kelly, Assistant to the Pastor

Sign up for our Collaborative email newsletter by visiting your parish link:Blessed Sacrament http://13ma.tt/BSPmailSt. Mary Parish http://13ma.tt/STMmail

Merry Christmas from the staffs of Blessed Sacrament & St. Mary Parishes

Meet Fr. Vin −The Gift of Family

As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan, Fr. Vin’s responsibilities are extraordinary. While his daily work is a source of great joy, it’s the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit.

When Fr. Vin’s parents passed away, he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister. For Fr. Vin, being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing. The unconditional love that he receives from Connie—especially at the end of a busy day— continues to fill his heart with gratitude.

Fr. Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others. This Christmas, show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr. Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston.

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass.

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust.

“A priest, whoever he may be, is always another Christ.”

-Saint Josemaría Escrivá

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week, please visit clergyfunds.org/intentions.

To watch a short video on Fr. Vin and Connie,visit clergyfunds.org.

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

For Advertising Information, Please Call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins • www.PilotBulletins.net Saint Mary, Walpole, MA

982 Main St. • Walpole508.668.1080 • www.WalpoleCoop.com

Member FDICMember SIF

Nigel H. Timothy, M.D. board certified ophthalmologist

retina specialist

781-989-4744 Cobb’s Corner

Comprehensive and Compassionate Eye Care Specialist

48 COMMON STREET, WALPOLE, MA DelaneyFuneral.com

JAMES H. DELANEY & SON FUNERAL HOME

Jim Delaney • 508-668-1960 • Jay Delaney

Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home

45 Common Street Walpole, MA

Tel: (508) 668-0154www.thomasfuneralhomes.com

Affiliated with Carroll-Thomas FH - Hyde Park

. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts, Probate. Real Estate and Zoning. Personal Injury and Employment Law

The Law Office of William F. O'Connell508-668-0059www.walpolemalaw.com

Member: Massachusetts Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Clergy Health and Retirement TrustCaring for the Well-Being of our Boston PriestsSupport the well-being of

our Boston priests. Text PRIEST to 56512 or

visit us at clergyfunds.org. Msg. & data rates may apply

GetCatholicTV.com

Call Ken Romano 617-779-3771Sell Ads for this Bulletin and more.

ADvertising sAlesPArt time. full time. flexible.

Classified • Help Wanted • For Sale • For Rent

617-779-3788 Advertising@pilotcatholicnews.com

For all your Classified Advertising needs

Subscribe: 617-779-3792Advertise: 617-779-3788

America’s Oldest Catholic Newspaper

Subscribe: 617-779-3792

Subscribe toGet the Catholic Perspective and be fully informed.■ Words of wisdom from Pope Francis■ Full local coverage of news and events throughout the archdiocese■ National and International Church-related news■ Analysis relating the teachings of the Church to current events■ Faith related articles by locally and nationally acclaimed authors■ Stories about the Faith and Good Works of the archdiocese

Classified • Help Wanted • For Sale • For Rent

617-779-3788 Advertising@pilotcatholicnews.com

For all your Classified Advertising needs

Subscribe: 617-779-3792Advertise: 617-779-3788

America’s Oldest Catholic Newspaper

Subscribe: 617-779-3792

Subscribe toGet the Catholic Perspective and be fully informed.■ Words of wisdom from Pope Francis■ Full local coverage of news and events throughout the archdiocese■ National and International Church-related news■ Analysis relating the teachings of the Church to current events■ Faith related articles by locally and nationally acclaimed authors■ Stories about the Faith and Good Works of the archdiocese

Classified • Help Wanted • For Sale • For Rent

617-779-3788 Advertising@pilotcatholicnews.com

For all your Classified Advertising needs

Subscribe: 617-779-3792Advertise: 617-779-3788

America’s Oldest Catholic Newspaper

Subscribe: 617-779-3792

Subscribe toGet the Catholic Perspective and be fully informed.■ Words of wisdom from Pope Francis■ Full local coverage of news and events throughout the archdiocese■ National and International Church-related news■ Analysis relating the teachings of the Church to current events■ Faith related articles by locally and nationally acclaimed authors■ Stories about the Faith and Good Works of the archdiocese

Subscribe: 617-779-3792

Subscribe toGet the Catholic Perspective and be fully informed.

Subscribe: 617-779-3792

Subscribe toGet the Catholic Perspective and be fully informed.

Subscribe: 617-779-3792

Subscribe toGet the Catholic Perspective and be fully informed.

I WANT YOUTO ADVERTISE HERE

We serve over 100 Parishes and have available space in those bulletins to serve you better.

617-779-3770 For more information

Wishing the peace, hope, wonder & joy

of the Holy Family to you and

your family this Christmas!

ishing the peace, hope, wonder & joy

of the Holy Family to you and

your family this Christmas!

Christmas is Just Around the Corner

Order These Beautiful Christmas Cards Today

617-779-3777

www.PilotPrinting.net

Cover ImageSaint Clement Eucharistic Shrine

Boston, MassachusettsPhoto by George Martell

We Have Space Available For You!

Support your priests this Christmas.

Text PRIEST to 56512Msg. and data rates may apply.

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Clergy Health and Retirement TrustCaring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests